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- Principal's Report
- From The Assistant Principal
- From the REC
- Marist Theme - Week 4 - Love of Work
- From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
- Learning and Teaching at the College
- Year 11 Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews
- CEDoW Spiritual Formation Programs
- Recording Attendance While Learning Remotely
- College Sport at Mount Carmel
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- HSC Presiding Officer Vacancy
- Free webinars to help you keep your kids safe online during COVID-19
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Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of Mount Carmel,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me”
“I am the way the truth and the life says the Lord”. John 14
The above two quotes are from last weekend’s Gospel and once again reflect the spirit telling us what we yearn to hear in our current context. With much of the anxiety and stress around at the moment with the Coronavirus, we can easily be led into a world of despair and sadness. As a people of hope, we are encouraged to look at the light and the positivity of a future which includes the blessings of the Lord. This also brings with it the responsibility of spreading that light to others. As I have watched our students slowly returning over the past week, I am energised by the smiles and the happiness of our young women and men as they start back into a normal routine. In speaking with them, they reinforce their gratitude for friends and the assistance of the teachers that in many cases have been taken for granted in the past. I am sure they also recognise the value and benefit of family in times when they have been isolated from their other supports. In following the light of Jesus, we can be reassured that we need not ‘let our hearts be troubled’ and we can certainly aim to walk in the Truth of Christ (Ite In Veritate).
In the newsletter last week and in a number of letters directly to parents and students, I outlined the transition of the return of students to face to face teaching. This week has been a very positive experience with students in smaller numbers having direct contact with their teachers. This has allowed the teachers to gauge what has worked well and get feedback on where the students are up to. The current advertised process will continue next week. For week 4, the main delivery of lessons will continue to be online for Years 7 – 11 however, students will have the opportunity to access staff on their nominated days by attending the College. The summary is again included below:
|
Monday |
Tuesday (Friday Timetable) |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday (Tuesday Timetable) |
|
|
Year 12 |
All |
All |
All |
All |
All |
|
Year 11 |
Murray & Howard |
MacKillop & Avila |
Howard & Murray |
Avila & Mackillop |
Nil |
|
Years 7-10 |
Murray |
MacKillop |
Howard |
Avila |
Nil |
As soon as we have advice regarding week 5 onwards, our community will be advised.
One of the results of the COVID 19 pandemic has been for us to review our current practices around our sick bay. Whilst the care and health of our students will always be paramount, we have been advised to remove the beds in sick bay as they pose a possible health threat. These beds have been replaced by vinyl wipeable chairs. I ask parents to be aware that whilst the College support staff are trained in first aid, they are not health care workers. Students who present to sick bay will be assessed as either needing to go home or able to return to class. Parents are asked to assist by collecting sick students when notified.
I have been asked by a number of parents about safety with regard to bus transport to and from the College. We are aware that our bus suppliers are ramping safety and cleaning efforts in line with Transport NSW advice. For further questions, please feel free to contact the bus companies directly.
As a result of Coronavirus restrictions, public masses have been cancelled around the country Bishop Brian Mascord has launched a YouTube channel where the faithful can watch him celebrate mass with us, and on our behalf. The link to this mass is here. Please log into this site each weekend and join Bishop Brian online for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Principal
It has been extremely heartening to witness the manner in which so many students have returned to the College over the past week. For many students, any initial novelty that they had associated with remote learning had certainly worn off and most were looking forward to returning to the classroom with their friends and teachers.
Over the course of the past week, we have implemented a range of procedures to support social distancing and hygiene measures across the College:
- The oval and courts have remained open at recess and lunch, however, activities that require equipment (including footballs and basketballs) will not be permitted until further notice.
- The Champagnat Centre has been made available for all senior students at recess and lunch with additional tables and chairs set up inside.
- Additional hand sanitisation stations and information posters have been placed across the College.
- Additional supplies of hand sanitizer have been secured.
- Significant changes have taken place across our Year 12 timetable to ensure that larger classes are being moved to the larger classrooms and, in many cases, walls between rooms have been opened up, doubling the size of these teaching spaces.
- Regular cleaning of high-touch areas is taking place throughout the day in classrooms and playground areas.
As we continue to monitor the situation and respond to government directives, I once again thank our parent body for your ongoing support at this time. I ask that you ensure any child who is displaying any flu-like symptoms is kept at home. Significantly, I also ask that if any students are tested for COVID-19, that you inform the College as a matter of priority as soon as the test takes place, and again once the results are returned.
Wishing you and your families all the very best for the week ahead.
Best wishes,
David Cloran
Assistant Principal
Catholic World
First Reading Acts 8:5-8 14-17 The Messiah is proclaimed and accepted in Samaria
Second Reading 1Peter 3:15 - 18 Suffer for good deeds, not evil.
Gospel John 17:1-17 Jesus prays to the Father
Are you wondering why the liturgical colour is gold/ white?
Since it is a festive, joyful colour, is used during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and on major feast days, such as, on the celebrations of the Lord other than of his Passion, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Holy Angels, and of Saints who were not martyrs, and on the Solemnities of All Saints. Because white symbolises the Resurrection, it is also the colour often used for funerals.
REFLECTION by Fr Michael Tate
Parallel Truths
Today’s Gospel speaks of an advocate. This translates a Greek word: ‘paraclete’. Our Lord says: ‘I will send you another Paraclete to be with you forever.’ Our Lord was a Paraclete, and he would send another.
What does this strange sounding word mean? Here is a hint. We all know that parallel lines run, well, para-llel. They run alongside each other. A paraclete is a person who stands alongside someone and pleads their case.
That is how our Lord Jesus Christ saw himself. His role was not to condemn but to plead the case for mercy and compassion, to be the intercessor par excellence.
Our Lord promises another Paraclete dwelling within us, individually and as the body of Christ’s disciples, the Holy Spirit advocating our cause, assisting us to live Truth-fully by the measure of the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. This Paraclete particularly assists us by acting as the Spirit of Truth.
We could pause for a moment to thank God for the two Paracletes, constantly pleading our case before the Throne of Mercy.
Mrs Christine MehargREC Coordinator
The Marist Brothers follow the example of their Founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, who came from a hardworking rural background. He gave himself wholeheartedly to every undertaking whether it was personal studies, building houses and schools, visiting established schools, training and forming the Brothers or communicating with church and government authorities.
Students and staff are encouraged to set high standards and apply themselves in the pursuit of excellence commensurate with their ability. Through love of work, students develop strength of character and solid values on which to base their lives. They are also guided in discovering the dignity of work and the satisfaction that comes from achievements reached through genuine effort.
For our College’s teaching staff, love of work ensures they strive to be innovative, flexible and creative when responding to the needs of students.
Good afternoon
Thanks to everyone for the relative ease of transition to “Phase 1” return to school during the week and your continued support throughout these unique circumstances.It was certainly a breath of fresh air to see everyone again and to make some face to face contact with the majority of those that we teach. The feedback from students and staff was that they were also very happy to be surrounded by some familiar faces.
The following link NSW Government - Managed return to school for families is one source that may provide assistance to families as we continue to adapt to the easing of restrictions. Please be aware that each school site adopts their own independent implementation of these recommendations and that if you have specific questions, please contact the College. At this point, current arrangements for the past week will remain in place as originally intended.
As we enter another weekend of gradual relaxing of restrictions in NSW, I have included the latest changes courtesy of the State Government. This may be of assistance for yourselves over the weekend, or to help clarify questions from your students over the course of the upcoming week.
COVID 19 Update From NSW Givernment - What You Need to Know
From Friday 15 May, the following is allowed:
- public gatherings of up to 10 people
- food and drink premises can open, but only to seat a maximum of 10 customers at any one time – this includes cafes and restaurants, a restaurant within a registered club or pub, or a cellar door that serves food
- up to 5 visitors may visit another household at any one time
- weddings can have up to 10 guests plus the people conducting or assisting in the conduct of the service, a photographer, a videographer, and the couple
- indoor funerals and memorial services can have up to 20 mourners and outdoor funerals up to 30 mourners
- religious gatherings and places of worship can have up to 10 worshippers
- outdoor playground and exercise equipment can be used with caution
- outdoor pools can open with restrictions.
Mr Simon Huntly
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator
Learning & Teaching: Week 3-4
Year 12 students will be attending the College each day for face to face lessons, and the remainder of students in Year 7-11 will attend based on the format as outlined and shared already by Mr Lo Cascio. Tuesday has been nominated as a "non-teaching" day (except for Year 12 students), and this day will occur on Friday. This day will enable staff to prepare lessons for the following week.
LATEST ADVICE FROM NESA (11 MAY)
- 20 October - HSC Exams commence
- 11 November - HSC exams finish
- 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
HSC EXAM TIMETABLE RELEASED TODAY
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable
The Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams are going ahead in 2020. NESA will release the HSC written exam timetable by 15 May (Week 3, Term 2).
Students will receive their HSC results in mid-December.
Education authorities are working together to ensure a pathway to university for Year 12 students.
Key dates and deadlines listed on the NESA website are subject to change due to the COVID-19 outbreak. NESA will continue to update you with exceptions and changes to relevant deadlines.
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Curriculum Coordinator
The Year 11 PTS interviews were scheduled for Wednesday 27 May 2020 (week 5), to align with the distribution of the Year 11 Semester One Academic Report. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, government policy, and social distancing requirements, these PTS interviews will not be going ahead as scheduled. However, the Year 11 Semester One Academic Reports will be made available for parents to access through the College COMPASS portal as planned.
As no face to face interviews will take place during week 5, opportunities for parents to speak with individual subject teachers over the phone will be made available and details of how this will occur will be shared with parents in the coming weeks.
Kind regards,
Mrs Theresa Moore
Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator
As previously advised, all CEDoW Spiritual Formation Programs have been suspended until further notice.
In response to this, a significant initiative has been developed for staff and parents to support their ongoing personal spiritual formation. It is a new podcast series entitled ‘Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness’.
Ripples seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. On Tuesday of each week a new Episode and Meditation will be offered. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to others in our world, to creation and to our loving God.
The Ripples Podcast is now available on the Continuity of Faith and Learning website, on Podbean. and Apple Podcast.
We hope that you enjoy the program and that it provides a formative experience for you.
In light of COVID-19 all sport at the College has either been cancelled or suspended until further notice. This includes College recreational sport, MISA, Diocesan, CCC, All Schools and School Sport Australia events. More specific information will be communicated to everyone as the current situation continues to develop.
As communicated in an earlier edition of the newsletter, the following College sporting events have been cancelled:
- College Athletics Carnival
- College Cross Country Carnival
- Marist Basketball
- Marist Netball
- Diocesan Rugby League selection trials
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Football (U13’s and Yrs 7-9 / Yrs 7-10 Pathway)
- Term 2 MISA competition
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Football (Opens)
- Diocesan Cross Country carnival
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Volleyball carnival
- Diocesan Boys & Girls Hockey carnival
You would now notice that the Diocesan Volleyball and Hockey carnivals have both been added to the ‘cancelled’ list. This decision was made in the break and communicated to all sports coordinators at a zoom meeting earlier this week.
What does ‘remote’ College sport look like at Mount Carmel in Term 2 (at this stage)?
Planning has taken place at both a College and Diocesan level to ensure that our students are given valuable and safe options to not only be physically active, but to also engage in meaningful sport opportunities.
Strategies that will have been implemented at the beginning of Term 2 include (but are not limited to):
- Google classroom pages (Stage 4, Stage 5 and Stage 6) that students will join giving them access to a ‘Sports Hub - Resource Centre’. This platform will offer students various opportunities that will allow them to consider and invest time into their own health (and potentially the health of those at home). The sites are broken into sport, fitness / exercise, fun and the chill, out zone offering students a variety of options to meet their physical activity and health needs.
Sport Site Links can only be accessed via the students google suite as they have all been given the appropriate permissions to ensure online safety and appropriate use. Links are located below:
Years 7 - 8 Site
https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/stage-4-sport-site-mccc/home
Years 9 - 10 Site
https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/stage-5-sport-site-mccc/home
Years 11 - 12 Site
https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/stage6sportsitemccc/home
- College sport challenges that encourage movement, healthy competition, house spirit and fun. For example, trick shot challenges, March in May initiative etc.
So do you want to take on the 'MCCC March in May' challenge?
'MCCC March in May' (Stage 4, 5 and 6 categories)
With all of the COVID-19 restrictions we have all had to adjust the way we stay physically active. Studies have shown that walking has become one of the most popular physical activities during this time. There are so many positive outcomes to walking only 30 minutes each day.
All you need to do is:
- Register via the Google form on your Sport Site.
- Walk a minimum of 10,000 steps each day.
- Get proof that you have completed this step goal (take a photo of your Fit Bit screen, wear a pedometer, use an app on your phone that tracks your steps) and save your photos in a folder on your Google drive.
- Share your photo folder with Mrs Pontin (pontint01@dow.catholic.edu.au).
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!
Each time you reach your 10,000 step goal 20 points are awarded to your house tally. The house with the most points at the end of May will be our 2020 'MCCC March in May' champions!
If you require more information, please contact Mrs Pontin via email pontint01@dow.catholic.edu.au).
Good luck and happy walking!
NB: A reminder to please ask for permission from a parent / carer before going for a walk and ensure you are walking on a designated pedestrian pathway (not the road).
Thank you to Mrs Marks for your fab suggestion :)
What is likely to follow in the coming weeks:
- Physical activity classes (yoga, pilates, dance, Zumba etc) facilitated by external instructors that will be hosted via the Zoom platform.
- More points based activities that will contribute to ‘House Cup’ tallies.
- Staff vs Students challenges that will be uploaded to the ‘Sports Hub - Resource Centres’.
- Structured training sessions run via the zoom app and other recording platforms.
These strategies will continue to evolve throughout the coming weeks (as does the COVID-19 situation) and will be advertised to all students and parents / guardians.
Some exciting and ‘different’ sporting opportunities for you to get involved in!
TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF DURING THESE UNUSUAL TIMES
As we are all very aware, these past 5-6 weeks have been extremely exhausting - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. We have constantly been challenged with the many spontaneous changes and decisions that have been made regarding the health and safety of our community in light of the COVID-19 situation.
Below are a few simple tips to keep yourself, and your loved ones, healthy, safe and happy during the Easter break.
TIP #1 - Follow the simple health advice to protect yourself and those around you.
TIP #2 - Put some time aside to be mindful and present.
TIP #3 - Incorporate some physical activity into each day.
NB: Don’t forget to remember our social distancing rules.
TIP #4 - Stay connected with family and friends.
NB: Don’t forget to remember our social distancing rules.
DIOCESAN SPORT NEWS
More information regarding decisions around Diocesan sporting events and COVID-19 can be found at Sport News.
NSWCCC / CSNSW SPORT NEWS
As of Wednesday 1 March 2020 (6:00pm), the following CSNSW Sport events have been cancelled (including but not limited to):
Secondary School Sport (Years 7 - 12)
Term 1
Monday March 16 – NSWCCC Water Polo Selections
Monday March 16 – NSW All Schools 15 Years Cricket Selections
Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 March – NSW All Schools U19 Years Cricket Selections
Sunday 22 - Wednesday 25 March - School Sport Australia Triathlon
Monday 23 March – NSWCCC Hockey Selections
Monday 23 March – Tuesday 24 March – NSW All Schools Tennis
Tuesday 24 March – NSWCCC Baseball Selections
Wednesday 25 March - SICC Rugby League Selections
Monday 30 March – NSWCCC Golf Selections
Tuesday 31 March – NSWCCC Swimming & Diving Championships
Wednesday 1 April - Northern Country Rugby League Selections
Wednesday 1 April - Western Country Rugby League Selections
Wednesday 8 April – NSWCCC Touch Selections
Wednesday 8 April – NSW All Schools Baseball Selections
Monday 13 - Thursday 16 April - NSW All Schools Sailing Championships
Monday 13 - Friday 17 April - NSW v QLD Cricket Exchange
Monday 20 - Wednesday 22 April - NSWCCC Girls Rugby League Development Camp
Term 2
Sunday 26 April - Sunday 3 May - School Sport Australia Baseball
Sunday 26 April - Friday 1 May - NSW v QLD 15 Years Cricket Exchange
Wednesday 29 April - NSWCCC Australian Football Boys Selections
Thursday 30 April – NSW All Schools 16 Years Volleyball Selections
Thursday 30 April - NSWCCC Australian Football Girls Selections
Friday 1 May – NSW All Schools 16 Years Girls Hockey Selections
Saturday 2 - Saturday 9 May - School Sport Australia Tennis 18 Years & Under
Monday 4 May - NSWCCC Rugby U18 Boys Selections
Monday 4 - Tuesday 5 May - NSWCCC Rugby U16 Boys Selections
Tuesday 5 May - NSWCCC Girls Rugby 7’s Selections
Tuesday 5 May – NSWCCC Netball 15 Years Selections
Wednesday 6 May – NSWCCC Netball Open Selections
Wednesday 6 May – Southern Country Rugby League Selections
Friday 8 May – NSW All Schools Swimming & Diving
Saturday 9 - Saturday 16 May - School Sport Australia Softball 17 Years & Under
Monday 18 May – NSWCCC Basketball Selections
Thursday 21 – Friday 22 May – NSWCCC Rugby League Selections
Friday 22nd May – NSW All Schools 15 Years Netball Selections
Saturday 23 – Tuesday 26 May – NSW All Schools Canoeing Championships
Wednesday 27 May – NSWCCC 16 Years Football Selections
Friday 29 – Saturday 30th May – NSWCCC Rugby Camp
Sunday 31 May, Tuesday 2 June, Wednesday 3 June, Sunday 14 June, Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June – NSW All Schools Rugby
Monday 1 June – NSWCCC Tennis Championships
Monday 1 June – NSW All Schools Basketball Selections
Monday 1 June – NSW All Schools Australian Football Girls Selections
Tuesday 2 June – NSW All Schools Australian Football Boys Selections
Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 June – NSWCCC Football Selections
Friday 5 June – NSW All Schools Volleyball Tri-Series
Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 June – NSW All Schools 16 Years Hockey Boys Selections
Friday 12 June - NSWCCC Cross Country Championships
Monday 22 June – NSW All Schools Hockey Tri-Series
Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 June – NSW All Schools Football
Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 June – NSWCCC Open Basketball Championships
Monday 22 – Friday 26 June – NSW All Schools Golf
Thursday 25 – Friday 26 June – NSW All Schools Girls Rugby 7’s Selections
Saturday 4 – Friday 10 July – ASSRL Rugby League Championships
Monday 6 July – Saturday 11 July – NSWCCC Country Rugby League Camp
Term 3
Saturday 18 – Friday 24 July – School Sport Australia 15 Years & Under Netball Championships
Saturday 1 – Saturday 8 August – School Sport Australia 16 Years & Under Hockey Championships
Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 August – School Sport Australia Swimming Championships
Saturday 8 - Saturday 15 August - School Sport Australia 14 Years & Under Australian Football Championships
Saturday 15 - Saturday 21 August - School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Basketball Championships
Saturday 15 – Saturday 21 August – School Sport Australia 15 Years & Under Volleyball Championships
Friday 21 – Monday 24 August – School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships
Sunday 23 – Friday 28 August – School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Golf
Friday 31 August – NSWCCC 15 Years Touch Camp
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August – NSW All Schools 15 Years Touch
Sunday 13 – Friday 18 September – School Sport Australia 16 Years & Under Boys, 18 Years & Under Girls Football Championships
Term 4
Saturday 1 – Friday 6 November – School Sport Australia Touch Championships
Saturday 21 – Friday 27 November – School Sport Australia Diving Championships
CSNSW Sport is working closely with all Diocesan and Association Representatives to ensure all information is current and available to parents.
Refunds:
- Each Diocese has their own process for actioning refunds. Please be patient as we work through these. Any questions should be directed to the contact details found on the top of your invoice.
- Students who have been selected in a Polding / MacKillop / NSWCCC team will be contacted directly to organise refunds and discuss uniform options. The CSNSW Sport store has been closed, for now no merchandise can be purchased until further notice.
Please continue to monitor the CSNSW sport website for updates and the most current information regarding cancelled events. Information can be found at Welcome to Catholic Schools Sports Services | CSNSW Sport Portal.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA SPORT NEWS
Understandably, this decision will likely have a flow on effect for all sporting events (Diocesan, CCC etc) moving forward in 2020. Information will be communicated as the situation continues to develop and unfold.
More School Sport Australia information can be found at School Sport Australia - Education through school sport.
Mrs Tara Pontin
(College Sport Coordinator)
Opening days for Term 2, 2020
- Monday 1 June - 2.30pm - 4pm
Please note that there are no EFTPOS facilities. Cash or cheques only.
